According to the U.S. surgeon general, "Smoking cessation represents the single most important step that smokers can take to enhance the length and quality of their lives." More than 47 million Americans have quit smoking cigarettes for good as of 2010, but not without work and good support systems. The role of a spouse is crucial for someone who has decided to quit, and it shouldn't be taken lightly.
Join Them in Their Efforts to Quit
It is easier to do things when you have a buddy to report to and lean on. If you smoke, join your spouse in his endeavor to quit. When things get hard for him, you can draw on your own experiences and provide the best kind of support. You can remind each other of your reasons for quitting and hold each other accountable.
Talk About Quitting Often
Encourage open dialogue with your spouse about the journey to a smoke-free life, even if you can't share it with her. Smoking is an addiction, and not being able to smoke might make her want to talk about it. Lend an ear, even when you don't feel like it. It might just discourage her from grabbing a cigarette in a moment of weakness.
Know When to Steer Clear
Letting the habit go often is one of the hardest parts of quitting smoking. Addiction is one thing; habit is another. If your spouse usually has a beer and a few smokes on Fridays after work, suggest another venture that will be less likely to tempt him to smoke. Spend more time with friends who don't smoke or have quit. Help your partner identify the triggers that cause him to want to light up, then help him avoid these triggers.
